Benzodiazepine withdrawal occurs in individuals who have become tolerant to and dependent on benzos like Xanax and Valium after taking high doses for a long period. As the person’s tolerance to the drug grows, they need higher doses to feel the same effects. When someone stops taking benzos after long-term use, withdrawal symptoms occur. These symptoms affect those who have been prescribed these medications as much as those who were abusing them. If you or someone you know has become addicted to a benzodiazepine and needs help quitting, our luxury detox center offers benzo detox treatment that can help.
What Are the Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal?
The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines are physically and mentally distressing and can even be life-threatening without the proper medical support or supervision. Many users may attempt to quit benzos “cold turkey” without realizing the risks associated with the process.
The most common benzo withdrawal symptoms – often referred to as “rebound” symptoms – usually begin within one to four days after the person’s last use of the drug. The duration and intensity of symptoms depend on the benzo used, the amount of use, and the frequency of use.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms usually last up to ten days and include:
- Anxiety
- Changes in perception
- Cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Increased tension
- Muscular stiffness or discomfort
- Panic attacks
- Sleep disturbances
- Tremors
- Trouble concentrating
Less common and more severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can occur in cases of extreme addiction. These include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Increased risk of suicidal ideation and thoughts
Benzos are mainly prescribed for mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and insomnia. Many people who suddenly stop taking these medications experience increased anxiety or restlessness. When symptoms like this resurface while detoxing from benzos, it’s otherwise referred to as the rebound effect.
The difference between rebound effects and withdrawal symptoms is that rebound effects are the recurrence of previous symptoms that the medication was meant to treat, while withdrawal symptoms are signs of the body’s struggle to adapt to a reduction in benzodiazepine use.
What Is a Benzodiazepine Detox?
The first step in treating benzodiazepine addiction is flushing the drug from the individual’s system. This process is known as detoxification or detox.
Also referred to as benzo tapering, a benzo detox can be dangerous and even life-threatening if attempted at home without medical support and supervision. A supervising physician must be present to monitor for potentially fatal symptoms, such as seizures and suicidal behaviors.
A medically supervised detox from benzodiazepines helps people stay safe and healthy while they get clean from drugs. Medical detox also reduces the discomfort of withdrawal, reducing the chances of relapse during the early stages of recovery. While treatment at benzo detox centers may last for two weeks, withdrawal symptoms may present themselves up to months into recovery.
How Long Does Benzo Tapering Take?
The duration of benzodiazepine tapering varies based on individual factors such as the specific benzodiazepine, dosage, duration of use, and the patient’s response to the tapering process. Generally, a gradual and individualized tapering plan is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety.
Detoxing from benzodiazepines can take anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks, depending on the severity and duration of the individual’s drug use. Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, so a slow and methodical approach is crucial. Tapering typically involves reducing the dosage by a small percentage at regular intervals, allowing the body to adjust gradually.
It’s essential for individuals undergoing benzodiazepine tapering to be closely monitored by a healthcare professional at a benzo detox center like ours, as adjustments to the tapering plan may be necessary based on the patient’s response. Regular communication between the patient and the treatment team is vital to address any concerns and ensure a successful and safe tapering process.
Does Your Brain Go Back to Normal After Benzodiazepines?
The impact of benzodiazepines on the brain can vary from person to person. Benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
After discontinuing benzodiazepines, the brain typically undergoes a process of adjustment to return to its normal state. However, the extent and speed of recovery can depend on factors such as the duration and dosage of benzodiazepine use, individual physiology, and any underlying medical conditions.
Abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines may result in withdrawal symptoms, and it’s crucial to taper off the medication under medical supervision to manage potential risks. In some cases, cognitive functions and emotional well-being may gradually improve, but a full recovery from benzodiazepine isn’t the case for all individuals who have taken these substances.
Additionally, individuals who have developed an addiction to benzos or abused them are more likely to experience long-term problems. Therefore, it’s more likely for the brain of a person who took benzos as prescribed to go back to “normal” after stopping use than that of an individual who abused these drugs. However, the circumstances may vary, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider to determine the extent of the damage from benzo use and how to cope.
Our Medical Detox for Benzo Addiction
As a Palm Beach rehab center, we know how important professional care is for a safe benzo detox. Our Florida detox programs are led by a medical team that provides 24-hour care and supervision to clients to ensure their safety and success.
Our specialists may administer medication, as needed, to reduce the discomfort and pain of withdrawal symptoms, as well. Our benzo withdrawal treatment is normally the first step of care for clients who have never undergone treatment before and require medical stability and support.
Our benzo detox program can help you or someone you care about safely quit benzos and feel better about staying sober long-term. However, as important as this step is, it’s only the first one.
Our luxury addiction treatment center places high importance on a continuum of care, which is why residential treatment and aftercare services are also offered to clients. Once detox is complete, patients can work with our therapists to learn more about their substance use disorders and addictive behaviors and to develop relapse prevention strategies for life after rehab.
Many people choose a residential treatment program that offers medical drug detox, as inpatient rehab provides a distraction-free and temptation-free environment for recovery. People with mild benzodiazepine addictions may choose an outpatient rehab if they’ve already undergone detox or some level of addiction care.
Counseling and support groups are also major aspects of addiction recovery. Many clients formerly addicted to benzodiazepines continue their therapy and attend meetings in our alumni program after their treatment is completed to prevent relapse.
Finding Benzo Detox Near Me
If you or a loved one is battling benzodiazepine dependence, take a decisive step toward lasting recovery by considering the comprehensive benzo detox program at Seaside Palm Beach. Our private drug rehab is committed to providing individualized and evidence-based care in a supportive and medically supervised environment.
Our specialized medical team, well-versed in addiction medicine, will guide you through a personalized benzo detoxification process. This journey involves a gradual and monitored reduction of benzodiazepine dosage, prioritizing your safety and minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
As one of few luxury rehab centers in Florida, we offer a serene setting conducive to healing, complemented by a compassionate and professional staff dedicated to your well-being. Take control of your life and embark on a path to recovery by choosing Seaside Palm Beach for expert benzo detoxification.
